Friday, May 18, 2007

Friday Fashionista -- Summer Wear

The weekly fashion advice column by MattyDale.

Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means! Back yard BBQ’s and summer parties! There is no reason you should not look your best when attending summer gatherings. But what should you wear that will help keep you cool in the summer heat while looking HOT to trot?

A word of advice before even pondering your selections or making a party purchase… Find out what is appropriate attire for the gathering. If the invitation does not make it crystal clear, ask your host. Now we can tackle the business of what to wear.

For casual events, nice cotton or linen trousers are comfortable, as are a nice pair of cotton or linen shorts. Please note – linen wrinkles so easily (Taffeta Darling). So if you are not keen on being wrinkled before you even leave the house, stick to cotton. You may ponder white pants. Yes, white pants. Or a daring plaid pant is nice when paired with the right shirt – just be certain it is a solid color in a complimentary shade from your plaid pants. Fabric - Make certain it is nice and soft – certain fabrics beg to be touched. Plus they obviously feel better on YOUR skin.


Shirts… Ditch the sleeveless tank. Leave something to the imagination – and leave the sleeveless look for the beach. Try a nice polo (again, linen breathes nicely so try it out) or a nice soft cotton tee shirt. Graphic images and logos can be fun, but I tend to shy away with items screaming where they came from. Nobody needs to be a blatant label queen and no one cares that you paid way too much for that Prada. Keep it simple so that your timeless good taste allows you to be the star.


Shoes – Leave the flip flops for washing the car. Get a nice pair of loafers or comfortable sandals (but not those over-sized Sketcher things – leave those for the kids. Get a nice pair of Keens, or try some driving shoes by Cole Haan. There are also some fun shoes out there that are a little more playful by Puma or Diesel.


Going to a more formal summer gathering? Again, find out from your host what is appropriate. A nice lightweight cotton pinstriped pant is nice with a matching blazer (two or three button) and a solid tailored shirt. Think Southern Gentleman charm. It’s classic. Shoes – A nice leather sandal will work or even a loafer or slip on.

Above all – check the dress code so you are not over or under dressed. Be comfortable and be yourself!

1 comment:

Scott said...

"Ditch the sleeveless tank"

Not on your life. It's comfortable and practicle for the work-at-home, reluctant-to-use AC, cycling lifestyle.

And as for "leaving something for the imagination," well, I'll remind you of that the next time you're drooling over shirtless joggers in Rock Creek Park.